Rockwell compact circular saws

[Robert Chapman]

Anyone have experience with either of Rockwell's compact circular saws? I'm looking for something other than my jig saw for ripping sheet goods using a straight guide.

[George Bokros]

You may have some limitations on choice of saw blades for it.

[Dan Rude]

I have the C-Man version. It works fairly well. Dust collection is good. I am limited in blades though, since it is 3/8" arbor. There are I think more blades for the Rockwell. If it has a 1/2" arbor. I am going to try making a reducing bushing out of a 10 mm fender washer to the C-Man. I just have to drill a 3/8" hole. Dan

[John McClanahan]

I looked at the Rockwell saw. It didn't seem to have very good balance when holding. Also, the blades seem to be a bit of an odd size and harder to find.


John

[Kent A Bathurst]

You can get blades from Forrest. But then, your blade will have cost nearly as much as the saw.

How-some-ever - I have the iconic PC 314 worm drive. I use the Forrest blade when I need a top-quality cut. Works beautifully.

4-1/2" blades are not hard to find on-line. Dunno about in stores.

[Robert Chapman]

Thanks for the responses. Just bought a Rockwell RK3441K. Seems OK. Test cuts are fine. Smooth running. Push button safety switch is a little awkward. May need to get a Forrest blade - another $65.

[John Densmore]

Why did you go with a compact over a normal sized circular saw?

[Robert Chapman]

I have a normal sized circular saw which I have used to rip 4X8 sheet goods but it is heavy and cumbersome. I also sometimes use my jig saw to rip sheet good with mixed success using a straight edge guide. My last attempt with the jig saw was a disaster which for some unknown reason resulted in a bent blade - was using a straight edge guide which I have done in the past. So I thought that I would try the Rockwell trim saw. Besides I haven't bought any new tools in a while.

[Lee Reep]

I bought one last year for remodeling. I got it to cut drywall, both new sheets, and to cut access holes in existing walls. I own several circular saws (corded and cordless), as well as a Festool track saw, but I wanted a small, lightweight saw -- one that I could hold on a wall or ceiling if needed, to make a cut. I think it is very well built. I have not looked at replacement blades since I cannot imagine my narrow usage for it will ever require one. However, if Forrest makes one, that's great news. I love their blades, although they are expensive.

I have a lot of respect for Dremel (and have a healthy assortment of their tools), and wanted to buy their mini circular saw. But the reviews were not very positive. The Rockwell I just happened to see on a quick walk-thru at Lowe's one day. I never buy power tools at Lowe's, so it was just dumb luck that I spotted it. I found a fitting for the saw's hose, in my ridiculously vast array of dust collection fittings, that fits my portable shop vac. It does help a little to control dust.

[Kent A Bathurst]

Why did you go with a compact over a normal sized circular saw?

Easy to hold and use - much more compact and "agile" if you will. Will cut 3/4" ply @ 45* - just barely, though. I still have my 25 yr-old Crapsman 7-1/4" stuck in the way-back for those times I need a deeper cut - which last happened in spring 2012 - dadoes in some treated 4x4 for garden shelving I had been drafted - I mean delighted - to make.

[Curt Harms]

You can get blades from Forrest. But then, your blade will have cost nearly as much as the saw.

How-some-ever - I have the iconic PC 314 worm drive. I use the Forrest blade when I need a top-quality cut. Works beautifully.

4-1/2" blades are not hard to find on-line. Dunno about in stores.

That size and form factor are useful indeed. I guess B&D/Stanley weren't selling 500/day so couldn't be bothered to continue producing them.

[lowell holmes]

You can find used Porter Cable 314 saws on the auction site. I would buy one of those. I have one that I love. It is absolutely unavailable.

My recent experience with a Rockwell tool was not good.

I should say unavailable new!

[Dan Rude]

Wanted to add Menards Perfomax brand has blades that fit the Rockwell. Fairly cheap. These are the ones I am trying to make a bushing for. Dan

[Kent A Bathurst]

You can find used Porter Cable 314 saws on the auction site. I would buy one of those. I have one that I love. It is absolutely unavailable.

Unavailable new, I think you meant.

I looked for a long time at auction items, but I have never been comfortable buying things with motors from there.

Then, in thread here a couple years ago, one guy posted that he had one but hardly used it.

PM blitz launched - took very little time to find the number where he was happy and I was comfortable. Like new. Classy steel case included.

In normal use, I cannot see how it will not last well beyond my lifetime, I also have its cousin - the PC 548 bayonet saw. Same compact design, steel case, and worm gear drive. These tools were clearly designed for the construction trades - able to take bounces off the floor - the first floor, from the 2d floor rafters.

[Mike Schuch]

I also have a Porter Cable 314 worm drive mini saw (I couldn't pass it up at $40 on Craigslist). It is a great saw in all ways until you have to replace the blade. Because of the price of blades for the 314 I almost always grab my 7 1/4 Milwaukee worm drive saw. The Porter Cable is nicer to use than the Milwaukee but the blades cost 4 times as much.